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THE LAYERS OF A LIVING ROOF There are different ways to construct a living roof. However, built-in-place roofs like the one shown here are typically composed of the same elements. Failure to understand or failure to install any of the layers correctly means you’ll likely end up with a roof that falls short on aesthetics and performance. A living roof is a system, with each layer complementing the other. Planting Soil retention Soil Insulation Drainage Waterproofing Framing F www.finehomebuilding.com or anyone who has fought moss growing on a shady roof, the idea of intentionally planting a living roof may seem odd, but living roofs make a lot of sense on many homes. A living roof, also referred to as a vegetative or green roof, is a layer of soil and plants installed over a waterproof roof system. There is a long-standing history of living-roof performance that should help to put skeptics at ease. For example, turf houses in Scandinavia have used thick layers of soil and grass to insulate wood-framed homes for centuries. Contemporary living roofs, developed mostly in Germany beginning in the 1970s, also have a successful history. Germany has had living-roof standards since 1995, and some living roofs there have been in service for more than 30 years. Studies on those roofs have shown that they provide a number of economic, aesthetic, and environmental benefits when designed and built properly. The energy factor For many, interest in living roofs is based in part on their aesthetic appeal and in part on their environmental benefits. But the decision to install a roof that can cost JUNE/JULY 2011 67